I landed a dream job after college, but it was in Seattle, far away from my close-knit family. I felt guilty leaving them behind.

The author debated leaving Los Angeles for Seattle.

Courtesy of Sherri Lu

• I didn't have an extended family growing up; it was always just my parents, my sister, and me.
• When I landed a dream job in Seattle, I felt guilty for leaving them behind for the first time.
• I'm glad I decided to move because I found my independence.

Growing up in the suburbs of southern California, I knew a few things to be true about my family. Most importantly, I knew that all we had were each other.